After spending a year sofa-surfing Danny had exhausted the goodwill of his small circle of family and friends. As life got harder for Danny, losing his job and being unable to get along with his family, he had run out of options, he felt he had nowhere to go and no one to ask for help.

It is hard to image in the heat of this year’s fabulous summer that only a few months ago the temperatures outside were so low that Met Office issued a red weather warning. As the “Beast from the East” brought record low temperatures in February, Danny spent a couple of dangerously cold and wet nights sleeping on the streets. Luckily, he looked for help in St John’s Shopping Centre One Stop Advice Shop, and was advised to visit The Whitechapel Centre. Danny was able to get a hot shower, fresh clothes and a warm meal before spending the night in Labre House, The Whitechapel Centre’s overnight shelter for anyone rough sleeping in Liverpool.

Danny has always been a massive fan of football since he was young; a life-long supporter of Liverpool FC, and until recently playing football “like a religion” every day. It wasn’t long after attending the centre that Danny join The Whitechapel Centre's weekly football training sessions, and then started playing in our official team, taking part in the monthly Spirit of Merseyside football tournaments.

Through football he has made new friends, gained confidence, and built a regular routine back into his life. Danny has been temporarily housed in Labre House until, with the support of The Whitechapel Centre, he finds more permanent accommodation. We have helped Danny apply for jobs and he has just secured a job at a local sports venue refereeing and leading football training sessions. Danny believes that his love for football has kept him going over the past few months:

“Even when times go bad you got to keep believing, got to stay strong.”

Danny is looking forward to the future, and is loving playing and watching football again.

If you would like to help us continue our work with people like Danny, find out how you can help here.